To Continue Working or Not?

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Specializes in psych/dementia.

I will be going into my 2nd semester in the spring and will once again have 18 credits: Adult, Psych, Research, and Informatics. Adult has 12 hours clinicals once a week and psych has 8 hour clinicals once a week. Both of the didatic classes are on Monday and the other two classes are online.

I am finishing my first semester today and have done well. Hoping for another A in the class I have a final in today. I have worked all semester every other Saturday night (7p-7:30a) doing registration in an emergency room. While the first couple Monday's were difficult, I adjusted.

My fear is that with both my main classes being on the Monday, and the possibility for a test in both of them on the same day, I'm debating on whether it would be wiser to quit working so I could keep a normal sleep schedule throughout the week. I have the option and do not have to work for financial reasons at this time.

I've had people further along in the program, and some who have graduated, tell me they worked up to their last semester, but I don't think they were working night shift and I know one was taking a lesser course load throughout.

I know no one can tell me whether I should quit or not, I just wanted to put this out there for feedback. I have time before I need to decide.

Specializes in EMT.
I will be going into my 2nd semester in the spring and will once again have 18 credits: Adult Psych, Research, and Informatics. Adult has 12 hours clinicals once a week and psych has 8 hour clinicals once a week. Both of the didatic classes are on Monday and the other two classes are online. I am finishing my first semester today and have done well. Hoping for another A in the class I have a final in today. I have worked all semester every other Saturday night (7p-7:30a) doing registration in an emergency room. While the first couple Monday's were difficult, I adjusted. My fear is that with both my main classes being on the Monday, and the possibility for a test in both of them on the same day, I'm debating on whether it would be wiser to quit working so I could keep a normal sleep schedule throughout the week. I have the option and do not have to work for financial reasons at this time. I've had people further along in the program, and some who have graduated, tell me they worked up to their last semester, but I don't think they were working night shift and I know one was taking a lesser course load throughout. I know no one can tell me whether I should quit or not, I just wanted to put this out there for feedback. I have time before I need to decide.[/quote']

That is definitely a hard decision! My first thought is keep the job because it may be easier to transition to a nursing position once you graduate. However, I know it's really hard to work and go to school but it is just one day every other week. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

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I say don't quit until you get the syllabus and class calendar and you can see what you're up against. Give it a little time and if you feel like you need that time, you can quit then.

Specializes in psych/dementia.

I have the syllabus from this current semester and the workload, to me, looks insane. Care plans weekly for adult health due within 24 hours of clinical, journal entries due weekly for psych, etc. I guess if they are due within 24 hours if won't matter if I work on the weekends or not, it will be turned in already.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see what it actually is like when I'm in it. Right now it just looks like overwhelming on paper.

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

only you will know the right answer, but if you can get away without working then I recommend not working. You will be super-stressed that last semester. Not to mention exhausted.

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